//------------------------------//
// Unneeded Stress 
// Story: Trial by Kinship 
// by Metool Bard 
//------------------------------//

For the rest of the day, Spike took it easy.  While part of him wanted to help prepare for the festival, he understood that working wasn't an ideal way to spend his vacation.  Instead, he took a long, refreshing nap on his rock, basking in the midday sun and enjoying every minute of it.  He didn't wake up until he felt a gentle hoof prod his belly.

"Enjoying yourself, Spike?"

Spike groggily opened his eyes and yawned.  When his vision returned, he realized that the sky was bright crimson, and he could make out a few of the stars in the evening sky.  Little Strongheart was standing before him with a content smile on her face, and Big Macintosh and Braeburn were right by her side.  Spike smiled back.

"Oh, you know it," he said, folding his arms behind his head. "How's the festival coming along?"

"We're just about ready," said Little Strongheart. "We'll start as soon as our other guests arrive.  They should be here soon enough."

She then turned to Big Macintosh and Braeburn. "Now, you two have to understand something.  These dragons are not going to harm you unless you give them reason to.  Don't show any fear.  If one asks you to dance, just accept and follow their lead.  Most of them probably haven't seen ponies before, so they might feel a bit nervous around you.  Be sure to make them feel welcome."

"Don't you worry, Little Strongheart," said Braeburn with a tip of his hat. "Big Mac an' I will make sure your little shindig goes off without a hitch.  Ain't that right, Big Mac?"

"Eeyup," Big Macintosh concurred.

"Good," Little Strongheart said with a nod. "I'm just making sure."

"Hey, Strongheart."

Spike sat up on his rock as he saw Needles and Trigger making their way into the conversation.  Needles herself was now carrying a silky white parasol in her claws.  Spike waved at Needles, and she waved back.  Trigger, however, simply wrung his claws and gave Spike the evil eye.

"Hello, Needles," said Little Strongheart. "Have you managed to find Toro?"

"Nope," Needles sighed. "He's still out there, somewheres.  At this rate, he's gonna miss the show."  She then noticed Big Macintosh and Braeburn. "Oh.  Looks like we've got some other guests tonight."

"Indeed," said Little Strongheart. "Big Macintosh, these here are Needles and Trigger.  They're friends of mine.  Needles, Trigger.  This is Big Macintosh.  And of course, you already know Braeburn."

"Big Mac here's my cousin," Braeburn added. "Pardon him if he's a bit shy."

Big Macintosh did a double take. "Wait, you know these guys?"

"Remember a ways back when Apple Bloom and her friends came to visit me?"

"Oh, that," said Big Macintosh, knitting his brow. "So, these are them bandits you mentioned then?"

"Ex-bandits, Mr. Macintosh," Trigger corrected. "We now work to preserve peace in the Mild West.  For a modest fee, of course.  Ehheh...  Ehheh..."

"I see," said Big Macintosh with a nod. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet ya."

"Pleasure's all mine," said Needles with a bow.  She then let out a sigh and looked up into the sky. "Hey, um, Strongheart?"

"Yes?"

"Have any of the other dragons arrived yet?"

Little Strongheart shook her head. "Not yet.  They should be here soon.  Why?"

"Just askin'," said Needles with a shrug.  Although she tried to sound indifferent, her tone was stiff and automatic.

"Is something troubling you, my dear Needles?" asked Trigger. "If you want, I can give you a—"

"If you say a massage, I'm gonna bop you one," Needles warned, raising her parasol theateningly.

Trigger flinched. "N-never mind.  Ehheh..."

Needles rolled her eyes. "You are so lucky I can muster up the strength to put up with ya."

"Trigger does have a point, Needles," said Little Strongheart, arching an eyebrow. "Something's on your mind."

Needles's face flushed red. "Y-you're just imaginin' things, Strongheart.  I-I'm alright, really."

"Is this about your Toro friend not showing up?" asked Spike, scratching his head.

"That's none of your business," Trigger snarled, glaring at Spike.

"Hey, hey!  Chill out, man!" Spike yelped defensively. "I was just wondering."

Needles gripped her parasol tightly. "Look, can we just drop this?  There's nothin' botherin' me, really."

Just then, Flint and Steel flew into the picture.  Both of them appeared to have been run ragged, and when they landed, they collapsed at Little Strongheart's feet.

"We're, finished," Flint panted. "Can we stop now, LS?"

Little Strongheart nodded. "Of course.  Everything else is in order, anyway.  Thank you two for your assistance."

"'Tis no trouble," said Steel with a bow.  When he straightened up, he noticed Needles. "Oh, hey Ms. Needles.  All ready for tonight?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," Needles sighed.

Steel tilted his head. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"Oh, don't you start!" Needles growled, pointing her parasol at Steel.

Little Strongheart shook her head. "Needles, we only ask because we care about you.  I'm sure if you'll tell us what's wrong, you'll feel better."

After a brief pause, Needles let out an exasperated groan. "Alright, alright.  I-it's my folks.  I'm worried they'll show up."

"You mean your parents?" asked Spike. "What's so bad about that?"

Needles turned her back to everyone and closed her eyes. "I ran away from them when I was young.  I was supposed to uphold this great legacy, and when I felt like I couldn't do it, I got scared.  They're probably still disappointed in me."

Steel scratched his head. "Wait, Ms. Needles.  I thought you said you were willing to embrace this whole Dragon Magi thing again.  That's why we became the Dragoons in the first place.  Why wouldn't your parents be proud of that?"

"Um, Dragon what-now?" asked Spike.

"It's an old buffalo legend that was proven true a few moons ago," Little Strongheart explained. "The Dragon Magi are said to be a wise clan of dragons who practice magic and grant guidance to those who seek it.  Needles here just so happens to be a Dragon Mage in training."

"Yeah, and I'm not doin' a very good job of it," Needles muttered.

"That's not true, Needles," said Trigger. "Our good deeds have been noted."

"Yeah, but we carry 'em out in the wrong fashion ninety percent of the time," Needles retorted. "Face it, Trigger.  The Dragoons are in a major rut right now, and I haven't been able to pull us out of it.  My folks ain't gonna like that."

"Don't be discouraged, Needles," said Little Strongheart, placing a hoof on her shoulder. "I'm sure you'll find your true calling soon enough.  In fact, maybe Spike here can give you some pointers."

Spike and Trigger did a double take simultaneously. "Wait, what?" they asked in unison.

Little Strongheart rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "In all honesty, there's another reason I invited Spike to take part in this year's Dragon Dance Festival.  You guys need a noble dragon to steer you in the right direction, and I could think of no one better for the job than Spike.  After all, he has his own Noble Dragon Code and everything."

"Um, Little Strongheart?  I, didn't sign up for this," said Spike nervously. "I mean, I'm not really much of a dragon.  I haven't really lived with dragons.  I don't know anything about this Dragon Magi stuff."

"But you are a noble dragon, right?" said Big Macintosh, raising an eyebrow. "That's what Applejack tells me."

Spike blushed and twiddled her fingers. "W-well, yeah.  But seriously, I-I don't know about this."

"Ms. Strongheart, I must protest!" Trigger proclaimed with a stomp of his foot. "We don't need this interloper's assistance with anything!"

"As crazy as this sounds, I'm with Trigger here," said Flint, folding his arms. "I'm not taking orders from some squirt."

"You take orders from Ms. Needles, though," said Steel.

Flint's only response was smacking Steel upside the head.

"Ow!  What'd I say, what'd I say?!" Steel exclaimed, rubbing his forehead.

Needles sighed and shook her head. "Y'know, maybe havin' a noble dragon teachin' you fellas a few things ain't such a bad idea.  It'll sure help to preserve my sanity."

"Needles, you can't mean that!" Trigger protested. "You can find your path just fine without this sneak!  You don't need him when you already have us!"

Needles deadpanned. "Please tell me you're jokin'."

"Oh, I never joke about things like this, Needles," said Trigger firmly. "Why, I be that I have more nobility in my claw than that Spike fellow has in his entire body!"

Needles palmed her face. "Okay, we both know that's not true, Trigger.  Just drop the act and admit that you're—"

"They're here, they're here!"

The conversation was interrupted by a call from the buffalo and several shadows flying in overhead.  Spike looked up and saw an entire swarm of dragons soaring majestically through the sky.  Their scales of varying hues shined and shimmered in the rays of the setting sun.  One by one, they landed in various parts of the camp, stretching out their wings and letting out mighty roars that echoed all across the desert.  When the last of the dragons had touched down, the sun had completely disappeared over the horizon, giving way to a starry night sky.  Chief Thunderhooves walked up to an elderly dragon with bronze scales and bowed to him.  The dragon bowed in turn and opened up his claw.  Thunderhooves climbed onto the palm of the dragon's hand and was lifted into the air.  He then cleared his throat to garner everyone's attention.

"Brothers, sisters, friends, and family!" he bellowed. "Once again, it is my proud honor to welcome you all to this year's Dragon Dance Festival!  As you can plainly see, our bonds have never been stronger!  And this week, we will show these majestic creatures the respect that we have shown them for many moons!  Let the music play; let the topaz flow; let the dance begin!"

His proclamation was met with rousing cheers and roars.  These cheers were drowned out by the pounding of drums and the whistle of flutes.  Little Strongheart sighed.

"We'll save this discussion for later," she said. "For now, let's just enjoy the festival."

"Sounds like a plan I can get behind," said Spike, licking his lips.

"Indeed," said Trigger, turning to Needles. "Fair Needles, may I have this dance?"

Needles rolled her eyes. "Spare me, Trigger.  I'm gonna go look for Toro."

With that, she walked off.  Trigger frowned.

"Why must she be so harsh?" he lamented. "Ehheh...  Ehheh..."

"Oh, for Pete's sake, Trigger," Flint growled. "When are you gonna get it through your thick head that she's never gonna go for you?"

"Well, I'm certainly not going to lose to the likes of him!" Trigger barked back, pointing at Spike.

"Uh, yeah.  I'm just gonna look for some topaz," said Spike, hopping off his rock. "Y-you guys want—"

"Some topaz, sir?"

Spike was interrupted by a buffalo balancing a bowl of topaz on his head.  Spike blinked in confusion before reaching out and grabbing a handful. "Uh, thanks.  Gee, that was quick."

"Ah, I say.  What do we have here?"

Spike was about to pop the topaz into his mouth when a massive shadow was cast over him.  Looking up, he saw that it belonged to a large dragon with rusted pink scales.  Her eyes narrowed as she looked at Big Macintosh and Braeburn.

"Why, I've never seen creatures such as these before," she said, tapping her chin.

"Oh, howdy there, ma'am," said Braeburn, taking off his hat. "My cousin an' I were invited here.  We're ponies, y'see.  I'm Braeburn, and this is Big Macintosh."

"Eeyup," said Big Macintosh simply.

The dragon nodded. "Ponies, hmm?  Yes, I've heard of such creatures, but I never thought I'd actually see one.  Oh, forgive me.  My name is Nova."

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ms. Nova," said Braeburn with a bow. "Uh, anythin' we could do for you?"

"Oh, how delightful of you to ask," said Nova happily. "However, I must decline.  My first dance has already been spoken for."

Braeburn and Big Macintosh shared a shrug. "Uh, not exactly what we had in mind, but if y'need anythin', just holler."

"Eeyup," Big Macintosh chimed in.

"Thank you," said Nova. "Actually, there is one little thing.  My husband and I got separated.  You wouldn't have happened to have seen him, would you?"

"I-I'm sure we'll be able to find him, ma'am," said Braeburn. "Just tell us what he looks like."

"Eeyup," said Big Macintosh.

Nova raised an eyebrow. "Your cousin doesn't seem to talk much, does he?"

"Ah, don't mind it none.  He's always like that," Braeburn chuckled.

"Eeyup," Big Macintosh stated flatly.

Spike watched the conversation as he shoveled more and more topaz into his mouth. "This is just so weird," he mumbled between munches.

"Did you say something?" asked Steel.

"Uh, no!  Nothing!" Spike said hastily.

Trigger raised an eyebrow at Spike, but said nothing else.  Spike swallowed.

"It was just a question," Steel muttered as he helped himself to some topaz.

Just then, a black blur burst from the ground, sending Trigger flying.  When the dust settled, a Diamond Dog with large jowls and a sombrero stood in everyone's midst, panting heavily.

"Wh-where's Señorita Needles?" he gasped. "I-I have to see her."

"She went looking for you," said Flint, crossing his arms.

"Hold on," said Nova, leering at the Diamond Dog. "Who are you, and how do you know my daughter's name?"

"I am her partner, Toro the Bulldog," the Diamond Dog stated bluntly. "And I need to see her.  This is an emergency."

"Wait, you're Toro?!" Spike exclaimed, nearly choking on his topaz.

"Guys, let's not get distracted here," Little Strongheart said firmly. "Toro, what's wrong?"

"It's the cazadores.  They're coming," Toro hissed.

Little Strongheart's eyes went wide. "What?  Here?!  I-impossible!"

"It's true," Toro said grimly. "I've been following their scent all day.  They are aiming to strike this very night."

"Um, sorry, I'm a bit out of the loop," said Spike. "What are caza-thingies?"

"Cazadores," Little Strongheart corrected. "It's Spanish for—"

She was interrupted by a powerful tremor shaking the ground.  Toro snorted and grabbed his miniature cannon from his back.

"Señor Trigger, aquí," he ordered. "They're upon us."

"Already?!" Steel squeaked. "B-but I didn't bring my bow and arrows!"

"As if you needed those things to begin with," Flint growled.

Before anyone could say anything else, several blasts of dirt erupted from the ground just outside the camp.  From the dust, several tatzlwurms emerged.  Each one was carrying a legion of Diamond Dogs and Rock Lobsters, and they all appeared to have harpoon cannons strapped to their backs.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Chief Thunderhooves boomed.

One of the tatzlwurms leaned forward.  Standing upon its head was a black Diamond Dog wearing a braided vest and a small black hat.  By her side was a red Rock Lobster with a small sombrero and coiling whiskers that resembled a mustache.

"Just like I thought.  Quite a haul," said the Diamond Dog. "Alright, boys!  Round 'em all up!  And remember, aim for the best of the best!"

The tatzlwurms opened their jaws wide, and their tendril-like tongues shot out.  Each one grabbed several dragons at once, dragging them down to the ground.  Toro pointed his cannon at the head tatzlwurm.

"Isabelle, stop this!" he barked.

The Diamond Dog looked down at Toro and smiled. "Well, well.  If it isn't my cowardly big brother.  Looking good there, Toro."

"Wait, you two know each other?!" asked Flint. "Then why the heck have we been having such a hard time finding these guys?!"

Toro sighed. "I didn't know Isabelle was involved until today.  She hid her scent quite well, associating with that seafood filth."

Flint palmed his face. "Then why didn't you follow the fish?!"

"Um, Flint?  Maybe this isn't the best time for that," Steel murmured. "W-we should go find Ms. Needles, now!"

Before Flint could protest, Steel flew off.  With a growl of frustration, Flint took off after him.

"Brothers!  It is the dragon poachers!" Chief Thunderhooves roared. "Do not let them desecrate the festival!  Charge!"

The buffalo ran towards the tatzlwurms in a full stampede, hollering war cries all the while.  However, they were stopped short by several paws and pincers bursting from the ground and grabbing their legs.  Isabelle laughed.

"Like taking rock candy from a pup," she snickered. "Ignore those teenagers, boys!  We only want the big ones!"

"We won't let you get away with this!" Little Strongheart proclaimed with a loud snort. "Braeburn, Big Macintosh!  Let's lend a hoof!"

"Right behind ya!" Braeburn yelled.

"Eeyup!" said Big Macintosh firmly.

The three of them charged for Isabelle's tatzlwurm.  Nova closed her eyes and thrust out her palm.  As Little Strongheart and her ponies companions charged, they managed to leap around the Diamond Dogs and Rock Lobsters trying to trap them from underground.  It was as if some unseen force was causing them to run like the wind.

"We'll give you support, Señorita Strongheart!" Toro barked. "Señor Trigger!"

Trigger nodded and scampered up Toro's body and onto his arm.  He blew his flame into the powder chamber of the cannon, and it fired.  However, it missed Isabelle by a mile.  Isabelle chortled.

"Tsk tsk tsk.  You missed again, big brother," she chided with a wag of her finger. "You always miss when it comes to me.  That is why you are a coward."

She then took up a weighted lariat and hefted it over her head.  After swinging it a few times, she threw it at Toro, tying him up from head to toe.  Toro fell to the ground with a thud.

"Just like old times," said Isabelle.  She then stumbled a bit as Little Strongheart rammed her tatzlwurm headfirst. "Mmm.  This could get annoying.  Pepito, líbrese de ellos."

"Please, Isabelle.  Say in English," said the Rock Lobster. "I learn better that way."

Isabelle raised an eyebrow. "Y'sure?"

"Sí, Señora."

Isabelle rolled her eyes. "Alright.  Pepito, get rid of them."

Pepito blinked. "¿Qué?"

Isabelle palmed her face. "¡Párelos de atacar nuestro tatzlwurm, crustáceo denso!"

"Oh, sí.  I understand," said Pepito hastily. "R-right away.  Sorry."

He reached under his sombrero and took out two metal prongs that looked like gigantic staples.  With two mighty swings, he threw them at Big Macintosh and Braeburn, pinning them to the ground.  Little Strongheart dodged the attack and doubled back for another charge.

"That one doesn't give up, does she?" Isabelle mused. "Ah well.  There's not much she can do on her own.  Let's just focus on that dragon there!  Pepito, fire the harpoon!"

"¿Qué?"

Isabelle groaned. "Lance el arpón."

"No, no.  Say in English," Pepito insisted. "I learn better.  I swear."

Isabelle sighed. "Just fire the dang thing already."

"Sí, sí."

Pepito scuttled over to the harpoon cannon and pulled the lever.  The harpoon shot forward at Nova, opening into a large claw.  The claw wrapped around Nova's body and dug into her scales.  Nova roared in pain and struggled to breathe her flame.  Alas, the pincer's grip was too tight.  Other harpoons fired from the other taztlwurms, catching many other dragons.

"Nice.  Very nice," said Isabelle with a toothy grin. "I think that's good enough.  Adios, big brother!  Pray that our paths don't cross again.  Because unlike you, I don't miss.  ¡Vamanos, muchachos!"

The Diamond Dogs and Rock Lobsters let loose several hoots and hollers as they dragged their game down into their burrows.  Spike could only stare in complete and utter shock.

"Wh-what just happened?" he asked no one in particular.

"Guys!"

Spike perked up and turned to see Needles running up to him with Flint and Steel by her side.  She paused for a minute to catch her breath.

"I-I came as fast as I could," she panted.  Her eyes widened as she saw Toro and Trigger tied together. "Toro!  Wh-what happened?!"

"Th-they got away, Señorita Needles," Toro grunted. "I-I'm so sorry."

Slowly, the other buffalo began rising to their feet and licking their wounds.  A few of them helped pry Braeburn and Big Macintosh from the staples.  Needles gripped her parasol and bit her lip.

"Dang it.  I-I should've been here," she muttered.

"I-it's not your fault, Needles," said Trigger. "Y-you didn't know.  Ehheh..."

Spike scratched his head. "Um, could someone fill me in here?  I mean, who were those guys?"

Needles's face darkened. "The worst kind of scum in the Mild West, Spike.  Dragon poachers."

Spike gulped. Well, there goes my vacation, he thought.

Steel looked around and drew in a sharp breath through his teeth. "Sheesh, what a mess."

"No kiddin'," said Needles, hiding her face with her parasol. "I reckon it'll take some time for us to get back onto the saddle.  In the meantime, let's see if we can't get everyone up to speed.  Our Ponyville guests deserve more explanation, and I believe you've got some intel for me, Toro.  That's what Steel told me."

"Um, yes," said Toro, clearing his throat. "J-just fair warning, Señorita Needles.  You probably won't like it."

Needles sighed and cast her eyes downward. "I already don't."